Pollard Theatre

I probably would have enjoyed the show more if it were not Shrek: The Musical. Still, for being more of a kid’s show, I laughed at the jokes (shaking my head at the lowbrow ones) and smirked at the self-​aware signals to the set/​props (Lord Farquaad «standing» on the backs of his servants). Fun — it is fun if you allow yourself to make believe with the actors. I did as well as I could, and I enjoyed my night out with my family. Thank you Pollard; keep up the good work.

What a neat place to catch a show! Pollard definitely has a lot of charm being smack dab in downtown Guthrie with the rest of its historic comrades. We caught Evil Dead the Musical the night of Halloween, and it did not disappoint!
The venue is nice and cozy, and there’s not a bad spot in the house. We were on the 4^th row, which was perfect. The seats were also very comfortable for an older theatre. The lobby sold refreshments, even though the auditorium very clearly has signs of no food and drink. So I guess you have to chug your drink in the lobby? Dunno. Maybe they don’t police the food and drink. :p
What I really like is Pollard’s proximity to food and drink. There’s a couple places to eat across the street and a bar as well, so you’re set for a very nice of evening of food and the theatrical.
I look forward to my next show!

So to just take a moment and pontificate on some stuff you probably already know about globalization, electronics and the internet: Being an actor, singer, musician, mime, magician, athlete or carnival curiosity (really any kind of live performer) was much easier before the advent of electronic mass media. The reason, of course, is that your competition for an audience’s at-​least-​presumably-​hard-​earned cash was limited to the number of people who could physically show up and compete with you for the opportunity you had your heart set on. So while you might not have been the greatest singer in the nation, you may have had a more realistic chance of being the best singer in your little town, and the praises and funds from your immediate area could flow your way. (Ref. Harry Chapin’s «Mr. Tanner» for a depressing illustration.)
The problem, of course, is that today, the wealthy parts of the globe (including essentially all of the U.S.) have the ability to experience a good sample of the best performers IN THE WHOLE FREAKING WORLD at whatever it is they are doing. Your competition, aspiring performer, is now everybody. And there happens to be a historically high number of people around these days … but no pressure!
The consequence of a connected world affects everyone, not just performers. After all, there are only four possible reasons you have your job:
1. You are the cheapest at doing your job (including the cost premium of having someone better than you do your job and shipping their work or personality to wherever you happen to live, plus the turnover cost of replacing you).
2. Your boss/​company isn’t smart enough to realize they could save money by reimagining how they extract the products/​services you provide in a different way.*
3. Your boss/​company seeks to maximize something other than profit and is keeping you on as a charity case to a greater or lesser extent. It’s also possible the individual responsible for firing you may not like confrontation.**
4. You are a likely-​delusional entrepreneur who believes your idea and business concept will succeed, and you’re drawing down on your savings to survive until success or failure propels you to one of the three outcomes listed above.
But live performers have it worst, because I can access the best*** actors, musicians, baseball players and reality-​TV villains in the whole world whenever I want. This concentrates the wealth paid to those true top talents not by increasing the per-​user cost, but by funneling all that money that used to be spread around to just those top few people. As a consequence, those who ply their trade via the old-​school, «live performance in front of actual people in a particular place» method are facing tremendous pressure. Why settle for the best I can get in town if I can have better through my computer whenever I want?
The Pollard Theatre is an archetypal example of the classic, live theatre venue, with plenty of what I’ll call «character» since it would be a lot of work to describe the high ceilings, beautiful murals along the walls and solid acoustics for the singers. Frankly, it has probably seen better days, but it’s still perfectly serviceable and it works for what they’re trying to do.
To be honest, the performance we saw was nothing spectacular. I’d characterize it as a step above community theater, but not much more. But you know what? That’s okay. The octogenarian crowd LOVED it, with standing ovations and encores for the cast, the performers were giving it their all, and I’ll admit, the infectious enthusiasm got to me just a little bit. ‘Twas the kind of thing that keeps me from actually morphing into the Grinch.
So the Pollard Theater is worth a visit for a nice bit of nostalgia … a healthy reminder that we should celebrate effort on occasion, and not solely excellence. Break a leg!
* There are a lot of these companies out there.
** This is the best possible situation if you are able to keep expectations low.
*** Throughout this, let’s remember that «best» means «What I consider best.» I’m right about what’s the best, but I don’t begrudge you your wrongness if you have a different opinion.

I started going to Pollard Theatre production back in the 1980’s when it was formed. For it’s history it has drawn on a host of local actors who love the theatre as well as up and coming performers from local colleges. Rarely have I ever been disappointed with a production and in most cases I have marvelled at how great an evening is was spent there. I just attended the Musical Smokey Joe’s Café and the it was exceptional. I also try to make the annual performance of The Territorial Christmas Carol rewritten as Oklahoma history. It is a fun holiday tradition. recommend that you take away the kids electonic toys and go to Guthrie to see a live performance. I love movies but the theatre is something special, and I promise you they will give you everything they have to make a magical evening for you. Check out what is coming at
and enjoy historical Guthrie while you are there.